Italian Army to replace its Ariete tanks with up to 380 German KF51 Panthers.
According to Defence Industry Europe on January 16, 2025, the Italian Ministry of Defence announced plans to procure up to 380 new tanks based on the German KF51 Panther at the IAV 2025 conference. Additionally, over 1,000 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) will be acquired as part of an extensive modernization program. To replace the aging C1 and C2 Ariete tanks, the KF-51 will be adapted to meet the specific operational requirements of the Italian Army. The program includes support vehicles built on the KF51 platform, and the overall budget for this initiative is expected to exceed €10 billion.
Italy’s development of a new main battle tank (MBT) is driven by the obsolescence of its C1 and C2 Ariete tanks, with a focus on enhanced lethality, mobility, survivability, and advanced networking capabilities. The Italian government has previously approved an €8.2 billion investment plan running from 2025 to 2038 for this purpose. These capabilities are being addressed through the adoption of the KF51 Panther, with additional customization, referred to as "Italianisation," to meet the unique operational needs of the Italian Army. The platform will be part of a broader fleet that includes recovery, rescue, and engineering variants.
To facilitate the achievement of this ambitious program, Leonardo and Rheinmetall established a 50:50 joint venture named Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) in October 2024. This partnership aims to develop and manufacture the KF51 Panther and KF41 Lynx platforms for the Italian Army. Approximately 60% of the production activities will take place in Italy, with facilities in La Spezia handling assembly, integration of mission systems, and testing. The collaboration seeks to position Italy as a hub for advanced armored vehicle production and to explore export opportunities.
The second program, named A2CS, involves the acquisition of approximately 1,050 IFVs based on the KF41 Lynx platform. These vehicles will be developed in 16 configurations to fulfill various roles, including command posts, self-propelled mortars, anti-tank operations, reconnaissance, and engineering support. The modular design of the Lynx platform ensures adaptability for diverse mission profiles. The program is valued at €16 billion, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.
The KF51 Panther, developed by Rheinmetall, represents the latest generation of main battle tanks and was first unveiled at Eurosatory 2022. The design builds upon the Leopard 2A4 hull but incorporates significant advancements in firepower, mobility, and protection. Hungary has partnered with Rheinmetall to develop a variant tailored to its requirements, and Italy's adoption further demonstrates the platform's appeal. The Panther is also under consideration by other NATO and international operators, indicating its potential for broader deployment.
The latest variant of the KF51 Panther is the KF51-U, unveiled at Eurosatory 2024, featuring an unmanned turret, a three-crew hull configuration, an autoloader-fed 130 mm main gun with 25 rounds, and a coaxial 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Key features of the KF51 Panther, one of the most modern tanks available to date, include a 130 mm L/52 smoothbore cannon, offering a 50% increase in firepower compared to existing 120 mm systems. The tank's autoloader supports rapid reloading, and its secondary armament comprises a 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun and a remote-controlled 7.62 mm NATTER RCWS. The Panther also has provisions for integrating HERO 120 loitering munitions, enabling extended engagement ranges and reconnaissance capabilities. Its modular design allows for adaptation to future mission requirements, including unmanned turret variants.
The Panther's protection suite consists of passive, reactive, and active systems, such as the StrikeShield active defense system and the Top Attack Protection System (TAPS). These features are designed to counter threats from kinetic projectiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and aerial attacks. Advanced sensors and 360-degree situational awareness systems enhance its survivability and operational effectiveness. Mobility is ensured by a V12 diesel engine producing 1,500 horsepower, providing a range of 500 kilometers and a top speed of 70 km/h. Collectively, these capabilities position the KF51 Panther as a versatile and future-ready main battle tank for modern militaries.
Since January 2024, Italy has initiated multiple modernization programs across its armed forces. In the land domain, the Italian Army began acquiring 21 U.S.-made M142 HIMARS rocket launchers to expand its long-range strike capabilities, complementing its existing M270A1 MLRS systems. Additionally, the Iveco Oto Melara Consortium delivered 76 VBM PLUS armored vehicles, including 60 combat and 16 anti-tank variants, as part of the Army’s medium brigade modernization. Testing has also started for the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle under the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) program, with plans to acquire 1,050 Lynx-based vehicles and 280 Panther KF51 main battle tanks. Italy also selected the Rheinmetall Skynex C-RAM air defense system, ordering an initial €73 million package including 35mm cannons, sensors, and command modules, with options for additional units.
In the air domain, Italy expanded its F-35 program to 115 aircraft with an investment of €7 billion, covering both F-35A and F-35B variants for the Air Force and Navy. In December 2024, a contract was signed for 24 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to replace older Tranche 1 models, integrating systems such as the AESA Captor-E radar and upgraded defensive capabilities. Naval modernization efforts included the commissioning of a new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), the Trieste, which is the largest Italian naval vessel since World War II, designed for amphibious and air operations. Additionally, Italy has invested in directed energy weapons for counter-drone defense as part of its naval updates.
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